Issues in Public and Nonprofit Administration

Has “Black Lives Matter” become a hate group?

In today’s political climate, many of us have grown accustomed to taking everything offensively. This has become all too apparent when looking at the protests that have been taking place over the United States. Let’s discuss one such group, Black Lives Matter. First of all, do they matter? Absolutely! Secondly does the organization have the right to protest? Yes, the First Amendment guarantees that right. That is not the issue. What is there purpose? According to their site: “#BlackLivesMatter is a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society”. Their movement is to combat racism and a system they feel is “rigged” against them. In this post, I intend to prove that they have simply become another hate group.

* Disclaimer – I do not support any commentary or titles to these videos. I am simply providing the footage that proves some of this movement is indeed racist toward white people. There are many more instances of this happening, however I feel this gets my point across.

Any time that you assume that a certain race has a set of privileges you don’t have, you are participating in a stereotype. This is because an assumption was made solely on my skin color. Furthermore, you have emotionally devalued that person. Some will simply think that no matter what happens, they are worthless because of racial stereotypes. This concept works both ways. Another problem that occurs is the fact that some end up resenting me based on melanin content, or the lack thereof.

In my opinion, when you harm others economically to prove a point (e.g. roadblocks), you are participating in a form of hate speech. The reason for this summation is that you are wanting others to share your racial values forcefully. I would also argue that this is also assuming that those on the other side do not care about the movement. It does not make sense to your movement to force anyone to listen to you. Blocking traffic is not the answer! This may seem like a good idea, however standing in front of large machines covered in metal is a poor choice (Please excuse the title of the video). This isn’t the only problem that occurs though. Another problem that occurs is the fact that everyone on the freeway are late for work, losing income, or not meeting other daily obligations that force them to travel. This forces people to not support your movement. In fact, it usually causes people to work against it. Since it hurts people unintentionally, I consider it to fall within the realm of hateful.

No to address the organization itself. Is everyone involved in this movement racist? Definitely not! Are there a lot of vocal people who are racist within this movement? I wholeheartedly believe it. Does the organization hold merit in terms of police brutality? Yes it does. Does it have the right to harm others emotionally, physically, or economically? No, that’s where I draw the line. I believe that using our governments system of petitioning combined with those who truly are bettering racial relations should be at the forefront of the movement.

I could go on all day about racism and reverse racism. However, I want to spend this moment to petition my fellow man and woman. I challenge each of you to stop with the “white privilege” this and the “black thug” that stereotypes. We should treat others as we want to be treated. We should always help each other overcome problems like these. Some will not change with the times, but that is the case with any population. I understand that this will not be a problem solved over night, however I believe it will provide a better future for our children. I believe morality over melanin should prevail.